UMass CoASTCollaboration forAquacultureSolutions throughTechnology

While aquaculture has been around for centuries, it has not received the same technological focus as has terrestrial agriculture. We are capitalizing on our leadership in the field of technological innovation in aquaculture to fill this deficit, improve the local economy, and create global solutions.

Research

We work to ensure safe food, help make farmers profitable, and to decrease environmental impacts. We are at the forefront of applying technology and genetic tools to address the increasingly difficult challenge of growing aquatic animals in the face of changing environmental factors. We need to create more food, waste less, and do a better job with what we already produce.Projects include:~ Developing low cost sensors for monitoring and improving aquaculture:

Algae

Vibrio

Domoic acid

~ Improving the genetics of farmed stock through transcriptomic approaches to selection

A great majority of people in the US know little about aquaculture. We need to teach people about aquaculture so they understand it as a future food solution, and for those who want to enter the business, so they know how to do it right. We are creating opportunities for people to become engaged in aquaculture. Projects include:~On-line classes

Registration for spring 2018 is now open. Classes start January 29, 2018.

~Aquaculture Demonstration Center

More information soon

~Mobile Hatchery

More information soon

Policy

At the end of the day, we need to put our research and education into practice. We do this by shaping policy.Projects include:~Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative~Aquaculture Siting in Federal Waters

More information soon

~Finding room for aquaculture through co-occurrence mapping of multiple users as well as rules and regulations

Dr Michael TlustyChief Solutions CatalystIs a fan of creating small nudges to continually improve behavior to create more food, waste less, and do a better job on what we already grow to increase food security.

Dr Jennifer BenderEO Maestro​She creates education and outreach to bridge gaps between science and policy to create the teachable moments for future shellfish farmers, consumers, and government officials.